This week I am sharing an idea that goes along with the video and our reading. I'm planning on doing this at the start of next year!

This week we saw Ms. Lightwood's video explaining how to use pictures on a mobile phone to encourage our ELLs to talk. Now, I'd like to share this article about using pictures to spark language development. 

The authors explain how they choose a picture from The Times, remove the caption, and post it in their classrooms on a Monday to have the students analyze and tell what is going on in the photo? (WGOITP) The photo is posted on the white board, so all can see it, and the students have iPads to use google translate in case they need to translate words they want to use into English. They also use an app called Skitch to annotate and draw on the photograph.

Once the students brainstorm on their own, the class shares their thoughts. The teachers make sure the students can back up or provide evidence from the picture to support what they think is going on in this picture. The ideas are all written down on a class T chart that the students can refer back to. 

After the discussion, the students are asked to complete a paragraph telling a claim they can make about the photo, evidence to support their claim, and a question about the photo. This activity is differentiated depending on the level of the ELL. 

After this task is completed, they then write these paragraphs on a blog that other users can add their own comments. This provides even more authentic practice with writing and analytical thinking as they also add their own ideas and comments to other's picture ideas. By Friday, the teachers post the picture, along with comments, onto a poster to share with the classroom!

As a bonus learning activity, the teachers take sentences from the blog with errors in them to teach mini grammar lessons! These learning situations provide very real mistakes that students make and the teacher does not have to "wonder" what grammar points to teach. 

As I said at the beginning, I love this activity and will be planning on using this activity at the start of next school year. 

Leon, C., & Montemagno, M. (2018, March 08). Reader Idea | How to Use Interesting Photos to Help Students Become Better Writers. Retrieved March 15, 2018, from https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/08/learning/lesson-plans/reader-idea-how-to-use-interesting-photos-to-help-students-become-better-writers.html

It seems as fast as I was excited about spring, winter showed up again! These storms sure do break up the flow of teaching! 

As I was perusing the alerts this week, I found two articles that have information I want to share with you. One is about a few up and coming language apps I think will be engaging for EL students, and the other is how language technology is trying to be improved.

In the article, 5 language apps on the rise, these start-up apps are destined to help language learners to communicate more efficiently. The first one is Chatterbox. This app's teachers are refugees looking to help others learn their native language. This app is basically online classroom teaching. The second app is called Voice Blox. This app is interesting as it takes your voice frequencies into a 3D form where you can trace it with your finger and adjust your pronunciations (Macaulay, 2018). The third app, Linguisticator, is a memory based language learning app. There are grammar maps that are used to advance the learning of a new language. The fourth app, Lexicum, can be used as a personal word dictionary. Learner's look up words and it then gets stored in the ap for future use. This app will expand the language learner's vocabulary!



The fifth app is the one that I will find most useful! It is Wibbu. Wibbu "makes language learning fun through educational video games that emphasise interaction, engagement and enjoyment" (Macaulay, 2018). Check out this game, Ruby Rei, that the kiddos can learn with while they play! Ruby Rei is the the second language game the company has launched. The first one taught Spanish learners English based on the most common language mistakes.

Here is the trailer to get a glimpse of the game: Ruby Rei Trailer
It looks like just the thing to engage and promote our students into learning their target language, maybe without even realizing it! Do you agree?

Macaulay, T. (2018, March 07). 5 UK language learning and translation startups to watch. Retrieved March 07, 2018, from https://www.techworld.com/picture-gallery/startups/seven-language-learning-translation-startups-watch-3673282/

The second article on Contextual Relevance is pretty interesting! The article found in Media Update states,

"Contextual relevance is a unique challenge for natural language processing. If machines don’t know the context in which language is being used, the meaning of words can be ambiguous. It is this ambiguity that artificial intelligence (AI) seeks to decode through advances in technology, database management, and natural language learning" (2018).

We all know we have sent a text or email and the message may have gotten misconstrued because the context was misunderstood When this occurs, we realize that what we meant to communicate isn't actually what was communicated. Or, we have been at a party and join a conversation late. We quickly become aware that we missed "something" that would help us understand the meaning of the discussion. 

This can also occur with our translation apps and programs. But, this is beginning to change!! Media Update explains, "The different technologies that make up AI are becoming better at storing and sifting through vast amounts of data. This will enable machines to have previous knowledge to draw on to understand the context of used language" (2018). 

Media update. (2018, February 16). What is contextual relevance within language processing? Retrieved March 07, 2018, from https://www.mediaupdate.co.za/media/143410/what-is-contextual-relevance-within-language-processing


Language technology is amazingly on the rise! There were so many articles to choose from this week. I read that developers are trying to teach Alexa to do instant translations to mimic the ear buds that already do this work. I also read how as much as these instant translation devices are fabulous, it still doesn't mean that actual language learning should cease occuring. Studies show that being bilingual or multilingual still provides more opportunities mainly because of personal connections!

ESL teachers, and all teachers who teach language, be proud of what you do, and keep finding the wonderful technology being created to assist you in your passion!
                                       
                                                                    THINK SPRING!

Welcome to March! One of my favorite months for a variety of reasons, but mostly it is because this month typically starts bringing some warm weather to our area! THAT is one thing I ALWAYS look forward to! :)

This week's blog is going to be a review of two podcasts I found that I think are useful for an ESL teacher to gain ideas and hints/tips on how to teach each skill or concept. These would also be beneficial for an older ESL student learning independently!

The first podcast that I would recommend is Learn English with Rachel. This audio podcast is produced by Rachel, and features her husband, David. They are upbeat and have fun music that starts off each podcast. Rachel and David are very natural and free speaking so they make it interesting to listen to them. The majority of the segments are about 30 minutes long, and are on practical topics. Some topics include American slang, American culture, different grammar lessons, and at least one tells the listener about their perspective as a non-native speaker when they were in Italy. 

Here is an example of one of their segments: Diphthongs  One of my favorite points Rachel always makes is how the mouth should look and move when forming many of the different sounds!

A bonus is every segment is available in transcript form for free!! 

The second podcast that I found that was interesting is English 2.0 Podcast. This podcast is hosted by Al Slagle, an English teacher teaching English in Japan. Some of his explanations are based off of the Japanese language, but for the most part, anyone learning English will benefit from each of his segments. Mr. Slagle is engaging in his video and audio podcasts, and most of them are less than 15 minutes long. He goes in-depth into teaching pronunciation. Here is an example: 
fast vs. first

Mr. Slagle has podcasts on interview skills, grammar lessons, and other cultural lessons, such as, making eye contact, and how to make a BAD impression. He conducts interviews with ESL professors and other professionals who work with English language learners. These segments are helpful to an ELL as they give them ideas on such things as college academics, college life, and writing.

Mr. Slagle makes it very clear that podcasts cost money to produce and frequently asks for the listeners/viewers to donate "even $1 a month". 

Unfortunately, the last episode that Rachel had done was at the end of December 2017, and Mr. Slagle's last segment was in August of 2017. I'm hoping that each of them produce new podcasts, but it has been interesting and a learning experience as I have perused through the ones that are available! 

Sit back with your coffee one morning, and click on these podcasts and see what YOU can learn and use in your teaching!!!

Hey, all! Today we are going to review how using videos in the classroom benefits English language learners!

Most of us already use videos to promote learning successfully in the classroom! This article, Video in the classroom, explains why it is important to utilize them for language learning! 

The article mentions what we should be doing when using a video. The teacher needs to introduce the lesson, monitor the students' thinking during the video, and then check for understanding after the video is viewed. After that, we can have the students showcase their language learning!

Why use a video? Because a video balances out the left and right brain processes!

"It [cognition] is the process of obtaining knowledge through thinking, experience, and the senses. The human brain is formed in left and right hemisphere. The left brain is responsible for both spoken and written language. The figurative use of language and the emotional expression of language are processed on the right side of the brain (Sunanda, 2018). 

Sunanda mentions that video helps develop language because the student hears the language repetitively, and the video will ignite emotions in a way a written text cannot (2018). 

I love this thought from the article: If a picture is worth a thousand words, then a video is worth more than a thousand words!

Here's a video to teach our students a lot of sight words, along with sentence structure, in a story format. The students could replay this video over and over! Teachers could use the video segments and recreate the sentences with their students! There are many applicable uses with a video such as this one!

I believe the research also supports using a video to teach content, as well. After the student hears the lesson, the video will reinforce the language and concepts already expressed in the lesson. 

Start searching Teachertube, youtube, fluentu, or your favorite video hub, and start balancing your students' brain to enhance their language learning!

Sunanda, G., Dr. (2018, February 20). Video As English Language Learning Tool. Retrieved February 21, 2018, from http://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Young-Hans/2018-02-20/Video-As-English-Language-Learning-Tool/360214

Blog #2! Hello! Today, we will be discussing a teaching opportunity using technology, and a new app that can help our ELLs put words and pictures together. Enjoy!

Another Opportunity to Teach English!

Are you an early riser? Do you not know what to do with your extra time? Do you love using technology to teach students? Do you have a bubbly personality and aren't camera shy?

If this is you, you can apply to teach students in China the English language! How easy would it be to open your eyes at 3:30 AM, turn on your computer, and start teaching? That is what people are doing when they join a Beijing company, called VIPKID, that is now listed on a Forbes list as one of the top remote jobs to hold.

VIPKID uses videoconferencing to connect the teacher to the student, and  over 200,000 Chinese students are taking advantage of this opportunity to learn from a native language teacher. Each teacher can set up their own schedule, but they must keep in mind the time differences between China and their personal location. The best part is that VIPKID does all of the work! There are no lessons to plan or grading to be done! All you need is a "college degree (it doesn't have to be in education), a year of experience teaching or mentoring, reliable internet and a six-month contract" (Klein, 2018).

Teachers can earn $14-$22 an hour! The teacher also gets the bonus of learning about the Chinese culture. It sounds like a rewarding part-time job.

Some advice from Sonya Johnson, a retired teacher from St. Mary Parish: "You have to be expressive. You can't be boring," she said, adding, "I sing. I dance. It's so much fun."

Are you interested? If so, read the article so you can Teach English to Chinese students , and get more information!

Watch an informational 
             video:       

 Then, apply here: Vipkid !   

         Good luck!

Extra bonus for all of us: Vipkid also has a blog that details how to teach certain skills to Chinese students! Many can be used to find tips for all students!! Go take a look! :)

 Klein, M. (2018, February 3). [Your neighbors could be making ends meet teaching children overseas]. Retrieved February 16, 2018, from The Town Talk website: http://www.thetowntalk.com/story/news/education/2018/02/03/ local-educators-find-second-job-teaching-english-students-china-your-neighbor-could-making-ends-meet/1078292001/



Language Creativity with Art Technology

I found this article About Wimage and have been playing with the app ever since! It is an iphone and ipad app that started out as a place for Veterans to use art as therapy, and is now being utilized for urban children and language learners! This new app's name, Wimage , is a combination of words and images.

This app allows the student to put their thoughts into an image. The child just needs to say or spell a word, and a picture will show up on the screen. This will help students learn to be technology creators and not just technology consumers!

As the article states, "Beginning to think creatively at an early age is key for students developing confidence and communication skills, and the app can jumpstart that development" (Art allows, 2008).

How does it work? You speak a word and the word shows up along with a picture representing the word. This can be a good way for the student to identify the correct word is being shown. (If there isn't a picture to go with the word, the word will just appear, thus defeating the purpose I am setting for this app.) Relevance? An ELL student might be writing a story, but does not know how to spell a word. They can put the word into the app, and if the picture doesn't match what they want, they will know they didn't say the right word. They can write down the words they are using to have their own word bank when completing their writing assignment. Additionally, they can then create an illustration to go with the 'things' in their story!  All of this can be done independently! How empowering?!

Additionally, I see this app as useful in regards to a student who is reading, but does not know what a word means. They could open the app, speak the word from the text, and if it is a word that can be illustrated, an image will appear! This might not be as useful because the illustration may be a way to show the word, but not very clear cut. For example: 
This is how the app displays the word "below"
                                                          ------------------>

Using visuals and visual cues are an essential teaching strategy when working with the ELL population. Fortunately, the creators are still working on this app to increase the benefits for language learners! This app could be the upcoming tool for language writing development for our beginning language learners! 

Sidenote: The creators are hoping to have Spanish as their next language. My hope is that it will be programmed for both languages. This way the student can speak a word in Spanish to get the English word. Students would have their own language dictionary!

                   Visit Wimage today!
                                                                                             Meet Wimee, Wimage's mascot!




Stateside Staff. (2018, February 7). [App allows users to visualize their words,
     adding new dimension to classrooms, art therapy]. Retrieved February 16,
     2018, from Michigan Radio website: http://michiganradio.org/post/
     app-allows-users-visualize-their-words-adding-new-dimension-classrooms-art-therap
     y

                                                                             
                               

New Ideas for Language Learning Technology

Hey there! Welcome to my blog! I am in my fourth year of full-time teaching, but my first year teaching specifically English Language Learners (ELLs). I'm excited to share my learning of the different ways technology is changing to enhance the learning and education of ELLs! Let's help them grow!


New, Quick English Language Assessment??

In California, teachers were looking for an efficient, quick way to assess ELL students' language proficiency. The district decided to do a pilot of an assessment program called "Test of English Language Learning (TELL™), from Pearson". What is that, you ask? Here is a description: 

"Leveraging digital technology, TELL is a touchscreen-delivered language proficiency assessment for grades K-12. It takes 20 to 50 minutes for students to complete. English learners read, write, speak and answer questions out loud, and the technology captures their oral responses using innovative speech recognition technology. Students watch highly engaging video clips and interact with pictures and words, and they are also able to write letters or words with their fingers on the screen." (Bracken, 2018).

The results are generated in minutes, giving the teachers an immediate understanding of the proficiency level of their language learner! Teachers, students, and parents have a deep understanding of which skills the student needs to improve upon, giving the students a head start in their progress. Additionally, the teacher can compare assessments for growth as the year progresses. No more waiting a year to find out if the ELL is becoming proficient in the English language!

During this time of WIDA testing, and knowing I won't obtain my students scores for many months, this sounds so enticing! Yes, I know I can do other assessments to address my students' needs, but not in direct correlation with their language proficiency as this assessment. 

Let's hope other states utilize this technology in order to help teachers help themselves more effectively when planning for their students, and to help students know what skills they need to develop.

Click on the link to read the whole article: Digital Technology for ESL Assessment

Learn English Using a Video Game?

Learning English can be individualized! Decide what YOU are interested in learning! Using en.news, you can choose your reading level and news topic. As you read, you can click on words for definitions, and then add them to your online notebook for future referrals! You can have words pronounced, and there is a resource button that gives you a list of common vocabulary words, along with some technical words that the learner may not know. These words can be shown as flashcards for easier studying! 


Another great feature is that you can keep track of your progress and see how much of the lesson you have completed. As you complete the lessons, you will earn points and badges, and be put on a leader's board! Our society is driven by video games, and now  learning can be motivated in the same way!

"We are delighted to provide CNN content as part of WeSpeke's en.news," said Greg Beitchman, VP, Content Sales & Partnerships, CNN International Commercial "The high-quality and engaging nature of our news content makes it the ideal English-language learning aid as part of WeSpeke's innovative offering. Through this content licensing partnership, we look forward to today's news becoming tomorrow's English lessons" (Wespeke, 2018).

I can see students using this during a reading center to engage the learner into a topic he/she wants to learn about, all the while doing academic activities. The vocabulary and pronunciation feature is fabulous for the ELL to manage their own learning! 

Drawbacks: There are a lot of ads!! Additionally, the lowest level is a 2, but there aren't many articles to read at that level.

Check it out and see how YOU can utilize it! Read the article: WeSpeke   Explore the site: en.news



Bracken, M. (2018, January 19). Digital technology helps california district improve assessment for          english language learners. edscoop. Retrieved from http://edscoop.com/digital-technology-helps-        california-district-improve-assessment-for-english-language-learners


PRweb. (2018, January 22). Wespeke announces en.news: Today's CNN news stories are today's              english lessons. Retrieved                                                                                                                          from https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/18/01/p11061312/wespeke-announces-en-news-
      todays-cnn-news-stories-are-todays-english-l